UK vs UK — 1971 vs 1961
| E-Type Series III V12 Roadster | E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 304 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,343 cc | 3,781 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 6.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 150 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | 3,307 lbs | 2,689 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,667 mm | 2,438 mm |
| Length | 4,686 mm | 4,445 mm |
| Units Produced | 15,287 | 7,828 |
| Original MSRP | $6,900 | $5,595 |
| Value (Excellent) | $180,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster brings quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Jaguar E-Type. The 1971 and 1961 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster producing 272 hp and the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC delivering 265 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar E-Type uses a V12 SOHC displacing 5,343 cc, while the Jaguar E-Type relies on a Inline-6 DOHC (XK) with 3,781 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 6.9 seconds. The Jaguar E-Type carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 618 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.